5 Techniques Behind The Science Of Breathing For Healing

The science of breathing is considered one of the oldest yet the most accurate science in Indian civilization. Also known as the “Swar Vigyan,” our human ancestors have lived through this scientific practice, and the results have been amazing. 

While many say that there is a lot more to health than proper breathing, this science opens the doors for several healing opportunities. The human body is so complex that even though people think they have discovered everything about it, there remains to be a part of it that is still a mystery. Even after years of trying to decode the very system that keeps a person alive, a lot still remains for the human mind to explore. 

Although people still know very little about how their body works, their lives will become simpler, knowing which aspects to focus on. You will be free from human-created obstacles when you look into the science of breathing for complete healing. 

What Are The Techniques For Breathing For Healing?

These five proven breathing techniques help the body achieve the utmost healing beyond the practice of simple breathing techniques. 

Deep breathing

The rhythmic deep breathing practice helps improve the connection between the body and the mind. Several studies show how this type of breathing helps treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There have been multiple theories about how slowing down and controlling one’s breathing can help improve one’s longevity. 

The basis for this belief is a branch of yoga known as pranayama. It is derived from two essential Sanskrit words: prana means life force, and yama means control. Together, controlled deep breathing helps influence the very essence of who you are. This means that you can train yourself to breathe in a way that brings about a positive impact on your overall health. 

Belly breathing

With one hand on your belly, slowly inhale through your nose. Relax those abdominal muscles and bring air as deep as the bottom of your lungs. You should feel the upper part of your abdomen rise once the air reaches the bottom of the lungs. Continue to inhale as your rib cage expands, and you will notice your collar bones rise. While at the peak of inhalation, make sure to exhale gently from the top of your lungs to the bottom. Try to contract your abdominal muscles to release the residual air from the bottom of the lungs.

Alternate nostril breathing

Whenever you feel ungrounded or anxious about something, practice alternate nostril breathing to help bring your body to a calmer state. Put your right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. When you reach the peak of your inhalation, close off the left nostril with your fourth finger. Slowly lift your right thumb and exhale slowly through the right nostril. Do the same for the other side where you will inhale through the right nostril and slowly release it through the left. Continue alternate breathing for three to five minutes. You will see how your breath becomes effortless, and your mind clears with the inflow and outflow of air. 

Ocean’s breathing

This breathing method will slowly soothe and settle your mind whenever you feel angry, frustrated, or irritated. 

You can begin by inhaling slightly deeper than usual with your mouth closed. Remember to exhale through the nose while contracting your throat muscles. You know you are doing this breathing right when you can produce a sound similar to waves on the ocean. 

Another way to do this is to inhale deeply and exhale through the mouth, creating a loud “haaah” sound. Now, make the same sound with your mouth closed, feeling the air going out of your body through your nasal passages. 

Energizing breath

When you are feeling a bit blue and sluggish, this type of breathing will help energize you. Not only does it promise a surge of energy, but it helps invigorate the mind. 

Begin this breathing practice by relaxing the shoulders and taking a few deep breaths from your abdomen. 

Now, start exhaling all the air through your nose forcefully with deep inhalations at one second per cycle. Your breathing should entirely come from your diaphragm, keeping the rest of your body still while the belly makes it in and out. 

If it’s your first time with this breathing practice, you can start by taking ten deep breaths and then pausing to breathe like you usually would. Take notice of the sensations that it brings to your body. After 15 to 30 seconds, you may start with another round of ten deep breaths. Do this repeatedly until you complete the third round with a total of 30 breaths. Beginners are advised to take a rest in between. This is to avoid feeling exhausted. 

Although breathing for healing is safe in itself, every beginner must give himself enough time to learn the beauty and art of it. If the breathing techniques make you feel lightheaded after a few tries, stop and take a moment. Your body might be reacting to it because it’s your first time. Soon, it will be able to adjust. Perhaps, with continued practice, your body would feel less tense while you are engaged in deep breathing. 

Regular and the daily practice of deep breathing is required. In truth, the science behind deep breathing as a form of healing has become one of the best tools to strengthen one’s health and overall well-being. 

Performing any of these breathing techniques once or twice daily could significantly improve one’s health and produce long-term benefits. You can use these breathing exercises in situations when you feel so stressed that your breathing has become constricted. 

When you train your body to breathe deeply, you will begin to take notice of how effective it is when you put your heart and soul into it.